Chef Varun Gives Mumbai's Vada Pav A New Makeover At Slurrp GIC

The much-anticipated finale of Slurrp Great Indian Cookout 3.0 made its grand debut in Mumbai on 15th December, marking an iconic moment for the city’s food enthusiasts. The event, powered by TTK Prestige, Goldiee Masale, and Vikram Tea, brought together the best of culinary talent and local flavours in a “Delhi vs. Mumbai” showdown. Packed with high-energy competition, mouth-watering dishes, and a star-studded chef lineup, the cookout left an indelible mark on the city’s gastronomic landscape. 

Among the highlights was the presence of celebrated chef Varun Inamdar, who captivated audiences with his innovative take on Mumbai’s quintessential vada pav. 

The Slurrp GIC: A Culinary Extravaganza 

The third edition of the Slurrp Great Indian Cookout witnessed fierce competition between home chefs, culminating in Pooja Bansal’s stunning victory with her delectable Delhi-style Tikki Chaat. However, the spotlight also belonged to Chef Varun Inamdar, who transformed the event into an engaging culinary masterclass. 

Varun, a Mumbaikar at heart and a globally renowned chef, brought his culinary expertise spanning over two decades to the stage. His segment featured not just a cooking demonstration but also valuable insights into kitchen techniques, making it an enriching experience for home cooks and food lovers. 

Chef Varun’s Innovative Take on Vada Pav 

Staying true to the event's “Delhi vs. Mumbai” theme, Varun reimagined Mumbai’s iconic vada pav into a sophisticated Potato Carpaccio. Infused with his signature touch, the dish featured potato slithers paired with croutons, strawberry gastrique, thecha emulsion, passionfruit gram grits, and a sprinkling of love. 

Varun’s creation stood out for its presentation, bold flavours, and unique inspiration drawn from his deep-rooted love for Mumbai. Using the Prestige Cook Center, a revolutionary new kitchen tool launched at the event, the Carpaccio came together seamlessly and vanished off plates as quickly as it was prepared. 

Reflecting on his creation, Varun said, “I keep weaving the essence of vada pav into my dishes. From vada pav-inspired hummus to this Carpaccio, it’s my way of celebrating Mumbai’s spirit.” 

A Personal Connection with Mumbai and the Audience 

For Varun, Mumbai is more than a city—it’s home. Born and raised in the bustling metropolis, he shared heartfelt anecdotes about his connection to its culinary traditions, emphasizing his love for vada pav as a quintessential comfort food. 

The audience relished his candid AMA session, especially his declaration, “No matter where I travel, Mumbai’s vada pav always brings me home.” His personal anecdotes, coupled with his culinary finesse, created an emotional and interactive session for the audience. 

Interactive Engagement with Home Chefs 

Unlike many TV chefs, Varun’s approachable demeanour won over the crowd. His one-on-one engagement with home chefs and food enthusiasts turned the cookout into a memorable experience. He shared practical kitchen tips and motivated aspiring cooks, offering a glimpse into his culinary journey. 

Expressing his admiration for the event, Varun remarked, “The Slurrp Cookout has amazing warmth. I hope we expand it beyond Mumbai and Delhi, to cities like New York, Dubai, and Singapore, to connect with the global community.” 

Slurrp Great Indian Cookout 3.0’s Mumbai chapter was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to Chef Varun Inamdar’s charisma and creativity. From the innovative Potato Carpaccio to his engaging interactions, Varun proved that great food is not just about taste but also about stories, connections, and a deep love for local food and traditions.